The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Mayor welcomes visiting Italians at City Hall
Group traveled to U.S. for family reunion
TORRINGTON — A Bauce family reunion on July 28 took on an international flair after seven cousins of city native Vickie Patrick arrived from Vincenza, Italy.
“They had never left Italy before,” Patick said. The cousins live in Brendola, she noted, which is a tiny village.
The cousins’ visit from Italy was prompted by Patrick’s most revent visit to the village, which was two years ago. She asked her relatives to come to Connecticut and when they saw a family reunion was planned this summer, the decision was made.
While in Brendola, the mayor held a ceremony for Patrick.
“He thanked me for bringing news of the family who left so long ago,” she said.
In a parallel celebration, Mayor Elinor Carbone received 19 members of the Bauce family at city hall on July 26. She was presented with a gift from the mayor of Brendola.
“It was like a gift that was a bridge crossing the ocean,” Patrick said. “Mayor to mayor.”
Carbone also received a photo album of Brendola, her staff said.
To make sure her cousins got a true flavor of New England, the cousing were served a meal of lobster and clam chowder. Patrick said they had never tasted lobster and enjoyed the meal.
“It was warm and wonderful. They went out of their way to come and visit me,” Patrick said.
Torrington’s Italian heritage reaches back through many generations in the city. At one time, small Italian markets were found in many areas of town. Today, restaurants and delis still attest to the legacy of those who immigrated to Connecticut and settled in Torrington.
Each year a special citizen is honored as Italian Mayor of the Day, and the winner joins the mayor for a bit of official business including an official proclamation and ceremony. It is part of the city’s larger Columbus Day celebration at Columbus Square, where wreaths are placed in honor of Torrington’s Italian citizens.